Zeroing In with Dr. B.N. Suresh | On Space Science and History of The Indian Space Program (Part 2/2)

“There is nothing like a dream to create the future.” 

Humankind chose to explore the wide space and its objects not because it is easy, but because it is challenging.

Continuing to explore the technological marvels and the way that the Indian Space Program shaped itself amidst all the challenges with the man who has been a part of each of the space vehicle launches that ISRO has undertaken up to date— Dr. B.N. Suresh, currently gracing the Honorary Distinguished Professor position at the ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru, is also the Founding Director and Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology – Asia’s only space university. Dr. Suresh was formerly the Director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the lead center of ISRO in launch vehicle design; former President of the Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE); and former member of the Space Commission of India. His role in defining the activities for advanced technology development and their planning for space transportation in India has been very significant. 

In this final part of the two-part episode, he discusses at length the history of the Indian Space Program, and how the Indian Space Research Organisation has risen up over the years to brilliantly shape and take forward India's technological expertise by the development of highly complex space systems, to the international acclaim that it currently commands. Through the course, he also shares his exceptional insights, in conversation with Prakhar Agarwal and Naman Pain, and a few of the curious young minds from high schools across the country, which makes this conversation a treat to hear, as they ask their probing questions to an eminent space scientist directly.

If you have not discovered the first part of this podcast, we'd recommend you start there.

Happy listening!

Sketch of Dr. Suresh by Sambuddha Majumder.
Episode artwork by Akshita Arora.